Google May Be Working To Kill Nexus 4 LTE

Here’s a weird one for you: Google has quietly withdrawn a number of Nexus 4 files from its Google Developers archives, including the smartphone’s factory image and the phone’s associated binaries. While we’ve yet to see any signs of a formal explanation for the change, rumors are circulating that this is the first step in attempting to block users from accessing the handset’s hidden LTE features.

Thanks to its Optimus G roots, users discovered that the Nexus 4 is capable of having its dormant LTE radio activated, letting it get online through carriers offering 1700MHz LTE service. That’s great news for users in Canada, especially, but could prove to be a big headache for LG and Google, as the Nexus 4 doesn’t have regulatory approval for LTE operation on the band.

If this is indeed what Google’s up to, we’d expect to see a new set of Nexus 4 files surface shortly, featuring updated radio code. By removing the old files from its site, Google would be doing its due diligence towards seeing that flipping-on LTE is no longer a trivial task, which could keep it from attracting the wrath of the FCC.

Again, this is just a theory at this time, but it does seem like a pretty sensible reaction to the situation.

Stephen has been writing about electronics since 2008, which only serves to frustrate him that he waited so long to combine his love of gadgets and his degree in writing. In his spare time, he collects console and arcade game hardware, is a motorcycle enthusiast, and enjoys trapping blue crabs. Stephen's first mobile device was a 624 MHz Dell Axim X30, which he's convinced is still a viable platform. Stephen longs for a market where phones are sold independently of service, and bandwidth is cheap and plentiful; he's not holding his breath. In the meantime, he devours smartphone news and tries to sort out the juicy bitsRead more about Stephen Schenck!